Senate Resolution No. 1290

BY: Senator ROLISON

COMMENDING Alexander Watkins posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as a recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have so honorably and valiantly served their country, deserve to be
recognized, commended, and honored by the people of the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals who have displayed great courage and
unwavering commitment in the service of their country and community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Alexander Watkins posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as a recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor
bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate, to be
celebrated at the Dutchess County Honor-A-Veteran ceremony on Thursday,
October 16, 2025, at American Legion Post No. 1302 in Poughkeepsie, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, Alexander
Watkins was a proud graduate of Poughkeepsie High School, where he
distinguished himself as an accomplished athlete in track and field,
securing second place at the New York State Championships and gaining
recognition as a local sports standout; and

WHEREAS, In 1959, at the age of 19, Alexander Watkins answered the
call to serve his nation by enlisting in the United States Army,
embarking on a military career that would span 27 years and take him
across the globe; and

WHEREAS, During his early service, Alexander Watkins was assigned to
Company A, 2nd Battle Group, 23rd Infantry Division at Fort Benning,
Georgia, and continued to pursue his passion for athletics, competing in
high jump and middle-distance running events; he later served with
Company B, 3rd Motorized Transportation Battalion (Provisional), 32nd
Armor Regiment Division, further distinguishing himself in both military
and athletic arenas; and

WHEREAS, After an honorable discharge in 1962 at the rank of E5,
Alexander Watkins chose to re-enlist, affirming his deep commitment to
duty; by 1970, he was stationed with the 547th Engineer Company (FB) in
Camp Mercer, Korea, serving as a Staff Sergeant and Motor Sergeant; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished service, Alexander Watkins
served with honor in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany-where he met his
beloved wife-earning numerous awards and decorations, including the
Purple Heart in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice in Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, Rising to the rank of Sergeant Major, Alexander Watkins
culminated his 27-year military career in 1987, a testament to his
leadership, discipline, and dedication; and

WHEREAS, The Watkins family has proudly upheld a tradition of
military service, with Alexander's two brothers also serving-one in the
United States Army and the other in the Navy-contributing to a family
legacy of service in every major conflict since World War I; and

WHEREAS, Following his military retirement, Alexander Watkins
continued his commitment to public service as a clerk at the Kirk U.S.
Army Health Clinic Hospital in Maryland and later as a manager at Ames
Department Store; though not an official member, he actively
participated in numerous Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) events,
demonstrating ongoing support for his fellow veterans; and

WHEREAS, A devoted family man, Alexander Watkins was the loving
father of two children, Schannon Clayton and Alex Fredric Watkins, and
the proud grandfather of two grandchildren; he was laid to rest with
full honors at Arlington National Cemetery, a final tribute befitting a
life of honor and service; and

WHEREAS, Remembered as tough, loving, straightforward, honest,
strong, and proper, Alexander Watkins remains a revered figure within
his family and the Poughkeepsie community, embodying the highest ideals
of patriotism, dedication, and sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who risked their
lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Alexander Watkins demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Alexander Watkins posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, and to extend its sincere
gratitude for his valiant and unwavering service to the United States of
America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Alexander Watkins.